Information about Ferdinando Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby

Ferdinando Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby was the son of Henry Stanley, 4th Earl of Derby and Lady Margaret Clifford. Ferdinando had a place in the line of succession according to the Will of Henry VIII, after his mother, whom he predeceased. His sudden death led to suspicions of poisoning amid fears of Catholic plots to overthrow Elizabeth.

After his death, a succession dispute between for the title of Lord of Mann between his daughters and William, Earl of Derby, lead to the position being vacant until 1607.